I want to bleach the whisper 40 power filter housing (not the filters) I can put in a new filter. but i want to clean out the base and tubes and remove the algae and any bacteria.
I had a bacteria bloom and my 50 gallon aquarium crahsed on me :( I am having to start over.
2007-07-29 06:01:34 · 9 answers · asked by lisamarie_625 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
There is no good reason for you to do what you are planning. You need to study the nitrogen cycle and then you will understand why the bacteria bloomed on you. You want the bacteria. Killing it is going to make it more difficult on you even if you save the old filters. In the future, try a fishless cycle like they describe on http://www.fishlesscycling.com/ or go light on the stocking levels and food given. Test your water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate and you will be much better off.
2007-07-29 06:13:28 · answer #1 · answered by fivespeed302 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Bacterial blooms aren't bad, you just have to wait them out. Right now, it doesn't sound like a good idea to try and remove the bacteria you will need to start a tank. If you really want to bleach the filter though, dilute the bleach (25% bleach 75% water) and use a toothbrush to scrub the filter piping with it. Afterwords, thoroughly wash the bleach off and let it dry. To be safe, I would wash it 2-3 times. Good luck!
Nosoop4u
2007-07-29 06:09:29 · answer #2 · answered by nosoop4u246 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
There are too many nooks and crannies in a filter to be thoroughly cleaned, even with bleach. The algae will come right back - plus if the bleach isn't totally removed it can poison the tank as well. New power filters don't cost that much. I'd just go with a new one.
2007-07-29 06:11:00 · answer #3 · answered by L H 3 · 0⤊ 5⤋
No whatever you do do not use household cleaning products like: Alcohol, Windex, CLR, Bleach on fishtank equipment because it will kill all of your fish and and beneficial bacteria you need to keep your tank from recycling. :] good luck -- what you can use is warm water, cleaning products like seri clean by jungle labs, and vinegar. :]
2007-08-02 02:36:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you do, you need to be nothing short of fanatical when you rinse afterward. Besides, that won't get rid of the algae, that will only kill it. When you set up again you have that dead algae still coating everything. It will rot and foul the water all over again. I would just go with soap and water and a scrub brush instead. To get in the crannies use a bottle brush, toothbrush etc - get creative.
2007-07-29 06:14:39 · answer #5 · answered by saturdays child 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
you can bleach it, you just have to make sure you rinse it several times, the smell to see if you can still smell bleach, if so, rinse it again. And the let it sit in some water that has the chlorine remover added to it. That should take care of it. But, if you can still detect the smell of bleach, keep rinsing.
2007-07-29 06:08:23 · answer #6 · answered by Tina N 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I wouldn't. Chances are that if you failed to rinse your equipment properly, your end result will be far far worse than an algae bloom.
There are ways to treat and prevent algae bloom. You should research it.
2007-07-29 06:07:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
i wouldnt clean any of my aquarium with bleach only use a salt water mixture,,, and a scub brush..use anything else thats not natural will kill the fish...
2007-07-29 07:14:51 · answer #8 · answered by linifer74 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i say go for it with pride
2007-08-02 03:05:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋